Shop local to Keep the Cheer Here
When you shop local, you do far more than get the items that you want quickly and conveniently. Buying local stimulates the economy in our community, helps benefit local schools and charities, and it can even help the environment.
It keeps money in our community
When you buy from locally owned companies, the small business you’re making your purchase from certainly benefits, but the benefits keep growing. A small business that does well is likely to hire more people, who then spend more money in the community.
Buying locally also pours money into the local institutions who need it. Taxes are paid locally, boosting the community’s libraries, schools and infrastructure. Local businesses are also more likely to donate to charities in the local community, helping make improvements that all can enjoy.
When independent think tank The New Economics Foundation compared similar purchases made at chain stores versus those made with local businesses, the experts determined that buying locally puts double the money into the community than occurs when you make a purchase at a chain store.
It is better for the environment
When you buy online, it typically requires some major effort to get your item to you. Trucks have to haul products across the country, burning up fossil fuel and contributing to pollution.
In addition, products that have to be packaged for shipping typically end up requiring extra packaging to survive the journey intact. For example, compare buying a pre-packaged set of nails from an online retailer to picking out just the nails you need at your local hardware store, with the friendly local owner popping them into a simple paper bag. All that extra packaging typically ends up in landfills or the ocean, adding to environmental damage.
It results in more choices for customers
If you shop exclusively at big box stores, you’ll see the same product choices, over and over. The only real difference is in price, and often that difference is a matter of pennies. Buying locally is a whole different experience. Each small business in our community is unique, offering a true connection with customers and a real understanding of their visitors’ needs. Local artisans and craftspeople can show off their wares and build a following when you shop locally.
In addition, local businesses are typically far more flexible, adjusting to meet the immediate needs of customers much more quickly than giant national chains can do. They can also do a better job of stocking the products our community members want, since they’re part of the community.
Keep our community strong
By supporting local businesses, we can also help entrepreneurship thrive, which adds to local prosperity and innovation. Every local retailer is one of our neighbors who has taken a risk to try to make our region a better, stronger place, boosting the economy and helping lift friends and neighbors.
Look for ways buy locally this holiday season – and help us keep the cheer here! You can start by finding retailers that are members of the Chamber by searching our online directory.
